Field Technician for the Innovative/Alternative Septic System

Summary

Full-time Field Technician for the Innovative/Alternative Septic System Responsible Management Entity (RME), a program of the Wastewater Division at the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. All other related work, as required.

Supervision

Works under the direction of the RME Program Manager and communicates with program staff every day. Functions independently, referring problems to supervisor only when clarification or interpretation of policy or procedure is required. Performs responsible duties requiring independent judgment; refers matters to the supervisor in unusual situations. May receive oral and written instructions when specific assignments are given.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Works closely with onsite septic system vendors, operation and maintenance contractors, homeowners, and Boards of Health to ensure compliance with advanced onsite (septic system) wastewater treatment system maintenance and monitoring requirements.

Conducts sampling of various types of water, including but not limited to treated and untreated wastewater and groundwater according to Standard Operating Procedures. Samples include composite and grab types. Sampling occurs at field sites across Barnstable County. Reads and interprets sample analysis results. Enters sampling result data into computer software spreadsheets and databases.

Operates and maintains field measurement equipment according to Standard Operating Procedures.

Records operational data on required control sheets and validates historical data to ensure proper operation of equipment.

Delivers samples to various testing laboratories when required, completing and maintaining Chain of Custody forms.

Operates and maintains advanced onsite (septic system) wastewater treatment technologies.

Collaborates with Division staff, onsite septic system vendors, operation and maintenance contractors, homeowners, and Boards of Health to diagnose and troubleshoot system performance issues.

Inspect septic system installations to ensure compliance with state and local regulations as well as RME quality standards.

Coordinates the sampling and inspection of Innovative/Alternative (IA) technologies. Supports the review of IA technologies to verify systems are sampled and inspected at the required frequency and that parameters meet expected performance ranges. The RME Field Technician reviews reports, communicates with Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contractors, and conducts site visits or sampling as needed to resolve system issues. Provides field and lab testing support when required.

Occasionally fills in for absences of the Site Operator at MASSTC.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as the situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High school diploma with either three years onsite wastewater treatment system experience or three years wastewater treatment plant operator experience. Equivalent combination of higher education and experience is also acceptable.

Must hold current minimum Grade 4 Massachusetts Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License or be able to obtain within six months of hire (license exam must be scheduled within three months of hire).

Knowledge- Knowledge of water sampling protocols and techniques. Must have general knowledge of electrical controllers, pumps, motors, and other electrical devices. Knowledge and understanding of various wastewater treatment processes.

Ability- Ability to identify and troubleshoot problems. Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment. Ability to prioritize time efficiently, multi-task and follow through on assignments. Ability to interact well with professionals and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Skill- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Skill in operation, maintenance, and repair of various types of equipment.

Required Licensing/Certification:

A valid U.S. Driver’s License.

Must hold current minimum Grade 4 Massachusetts Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License or be able to obtain within six months of hire (license exam must be scheduled within three months of hire).

Massachusetts Septic System Inspector license (currently held or able to obtain within twelve months of hire).

OSHA 10 (currently held or able to obtain within six months of hire).

Job Environment

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors during all types of weather year-round. Risk of exposure to loud noise, carcinogens, explosives, flammables, caustics, corrosives, and pathogenic organisms. Work is generally stable, but there are often fluctuations based on specific projects or seasonal demand; may be required to work evenings and/or weekends.

Frequently operates motor vehicles to conduct site visits to conduct wastewater sampling and system inspections, perform operation and maintenance activities, and other tasks as required.

Operates computers, standard office machines, hand tools, power tools, and field measurement instrumentation.

Makes frequent contact with the public, technology vendors, and County department staff; contact is usually via email or by telephone.

Errors could result in injury to self and others, damage to facilities, damage to client property, significant loss of revenue, loss of program services, or adversely affect public and environmental health.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. A physical is required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, often on uneven, sloped, or slippery surfaces. Requires regular stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, and twisting. Must have the ability to use hands and fingers to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, and equipment controls. This includes performing repetitive motions with hands, wrists, and arms. The employee will be required to use various tools to perform the job, including but not limited to a whaler pump, sewer cover magnet, drills, and other hand or power tools as necessary. Position requires employee to work in hot, cold, and inclement weather.

Must have sufficient vision to operate vehicles, read instructions, and identify hazards. Must also have the ability to hear and respond to verbal commands and safety warnings, often in a noisy environment.

The employee must safely work around treated and untreated wastewater while following employer safety procedures.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $31.94 - $32.90 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Barnstable, MA 02630

Salary : $32 - $33